Parsons honors Choe for Oroville Dam emergency response

Pasadena, Calif. — Parsons recognized Charles Choe, a captain in the California Army National Guard and a project control engineer at Parsons, for his emergency assistance during an incident at Northern California’s Oroville Dam in February that prompted the evacuation of nearly 200,000 residents.

Oroville Dam suffered significant damage to its main spillway during a period of intense rainfall, and erosion threatened to collapse the dam’s emergency spillway, leading to potential widespread flooding below the dam. Captain Choe and his Aviation Regiment deployed to the site to assist with evacuation and relief efforts.

“Captain Choe’s actions and integrity during this emergency were inspirational, and we are proud to have him on our team,” said Michael Johnson, Parsons Group President. “We are honored to employ both veterans and those still serving the United States in the National Guard and Reserve.”

The California Department of Water Resources is evaluating damage to Oroville Dam and recommendations to prepare the dam for next year’s flood season.